The "western hemisphere" rubs me the wrong way

https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/64271737

The "western hemisphere" rubs me the wrong way - Divisions by zero

As opposed to the northern/southern hemisphere that has: * a clear reference point (equators) * traditionally we don’t model a rotation north/south Western/eastern hemisphere * doesn’t have a clear reference (Greenwich?) * traditionally we model rotation on the north/south axis so western/eastern would depend from the time

Perhaps “clear reference” isn’t the issue. Both the equator and prime meridian are clearly defined.

The equator is kind of a natural landmark, arising from the tilt of the planet. Greenwich is a place built by humans. I think that’s the rub.